Armin van Buuren & Maddix Create Unparelled Synergy for First Face-to-Face DJ Set

We’ve all seen a back-to-back DJ set, but have you ever seen a face-to-face one? Armin van Buuren and Maddix have opened a new chapter in the history of A State of Trance. Their recent groundbreaking face-to-face DJ set at ASOT in Rotterdam not only showcased their incredible talent and synergy but also pushed the boundaries of what live DJ collaborations can achieve. By seamlessly blending their unique styles through the use of only hand signals and non-verbal communication, they created an unforgettable experience that will be remembered for years to come. You can watch the full face-to-face set HERE.

This set has undoubtedly become a career-defining moment for each of them and a significant milestone in the evolution of electronic dance music. Face-to-face DJ sets are a rarity, primarily because they require an exceptional level of coordination and interplay between the artists. Unlike solo performances or remote collaborations, where each DJ can plan and execute their set independently, a face-to-face set demands real-time communication and a deep understanding of each other’s musical style and preferences. This can be incredibly challenging, as DJs must anticipate and respond to each other’s cues on the fly, ensuring a seamless and cohesive performance.

Maddix shared:

“This was a completely new experience for me, and honestly, I was pretty nervous—playing a F2F is quite different from a B2B. And of course it was in front of a huge crowd & with the legend Armin van Buuren himself. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out though and I loved every second of it! Our hand signals for every transition worked perfectly”

@maddix

For Armin and Maddix, this was no easy task. Both DJs are renowned for their distinct sounds and styles, and blending these seamlessly in a live setting without seeing what one another had queued required meticulous preparation and a willingness to adapt. One of the biggest hurdles they faced was the uncertainty of whether this set would work out. In a live performance, there is no room for error, and the pressure to deliver a flawless set can be immense. To overcome these challenges, Armin and Maddix relied on hand signals and non-verbal communication to guide each other through the performance. This method, while effective, required a high level of trust and intuition. Each DJ had to be acutely aware of the other’s intentions, predicting the next move and adjusting their actions accordingly. This delicate dance of signals and responses added an extra layer of complexity to the performance, highlighting the extraordinary skill and professionalism of both artists.

Armin van Buuren added:

“I had an amazing time playing face-to-face with Maddix. I’d never done it before, so it took us a little while to find our groove with the hand signals, but once we did, I had an absolute blast. I’d do it again in a heartbeat! Can’t wait to release our collab.”

@arminvanbuuren

In the end, the face-to-face DJ set by Armin van Buuren and Maddix was a resounding success, showcasing their unparalleled synergy and ability to overcome the inherent difficulties of such a collaboration. As DJs who are known for continuously reinventing themselves, this serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and artistry that goes into creating unforgettable live music experiences. This rare event will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone in the careers of both artists and a shining example of what can be achieved when two musical powerhouses come together in perfect harmony.

Connect with Armin Van Buuren: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud

Connect with Maddix: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud